[Rich gasps as he's suddenly tugged into Justine's lap, flushing a bit with nerves, but leaning against her just slightly. She can probably feel him shaking, even if it's not clear why exactly.]

I... know where you're coming from, but I don't like giving people outs. You could say lots of things are monsters you can't control. Grief. Alcohol. Drugs. Maybe just the cycle of abuse coming back around.

[He chokes on his words, fear briefly making him freeze over as he considers himself, five years from now, maybe making the circle loop back around in its ugly ouroboros.]

You deserve someone who makes you realize you're strong enough. Okay? I know you think you're not enough, but you are.